Spring into writing

Been chasing down my muse today. Weather's nice, dry and partly sunny - a plus for the Pacific Northwest. Creativity churns when my muse goes on holiday without me. The pieces left behind become a rather disorderly bunch and there's just no getting the words, phrases and ideas to line up in any sensible, ready for writing order.  Even so, I pulled this one together last night. Hope you enjoy it, maybe recognize some of your own days when creative expression is challenged.

While the Muse is Away

I am a poet,

my pockets overflow

with letters, words,

ideas, snappy phrases,

like sensible shoes, each of them

capable of long journeys,

comfortable as well for brevity,

eager for journeys to ocean beaches,

Puget Sound, Mt. Saint Helens, empty

now of her pent up rage, her cauldron

contents less volatile than long ago.

Pockets emptied onto the desk,

sorted, they prove a rambunctious,

disorderly lot, unwilling to gather

in any sort of poetic line-up,

I’m thinking maybe a few mug shots

might snap them into attention.

Wearied now, I catch a giggle,

then another – before long

my resistance fades, laughter

bubbles within, face forms a smile,

shoulders relax and I sigh, accept

my muse’s absence and reach

for a mighty fine wine, comfortable

chair and an engaging book.

by judy Beaston

March 23, 2013